2 August 2025 - Station Open Day Visit the Station & see 'Blue Peter V'
31 May 2025 - Portaferry Eurospar collection raises funds for the RNLI
10 April 2025 - Colin Watson - RNLI Chronicler and friend remembered
10 April 2025 - Commendation award by Lifeboat Operations Director
6 December 2024 Lord Lieutenant presents King's Coronation Medals
13 September 2024 - Paddy Lowry appointed as a new lifeboat Helm
7 August 2024 - Chief Executive's Commendation for rescue 7 Nov 2022
17 July 2024 - Scott Blackwood appointed as new Lifeboat Helm
30th June 2024 - Killyleagh Keelboat Weekend
16 June 2024 - Billy Ellison remembered
9 June 2024 Exercise with Strangford Ferry & Portaferry Coastguard
8 June 2024 EuroSpar Killyleagh raise funds for the RNLI
26 May 2024 - RNLI 200 Thanksgiving Service
2 May 2024 John Murray receives RNLI 200 plaque from Mayor ANDBC
4 March 2024 RNLI 200 Thanksgiving Service Westminster Abbey
14 February 2024 Lisburn Sub-Aqya Club raise a donation for the RNLI
27 January 2024 Portaferry GAC present a donation
13 January 2024 Mark Browne remembered
November 2023 Water Safety visits by Portaferry and Kircubbin schools
6 November 2023 Welcome to Heather Kennedy our new LOM
13 September 2023 RNLI included in one of the Mayor's three charities
27 July 2023 Church of Ireland group raises £1,001 in aid of the RNLI
19 July 2023 Portaferry Lifeboat Crew participate in 'Paper Boat Race'
8 June 2023 Smugglers Table events raises £1,700 for the RNLI
24 May 2023 Mayor's Making a Difference reception at Bangor Castle
29 January 2023 New Year Swim raises £600 for the RNLI
10 November 2022 'The Cuan' Wine Tasting event raises £315 for the RNLI
3 October 2022 18 Portaferry RNLI Volunteers receive service awards
27 September 2022 We are currently recruiting for new Inshore Lifeboat Crew
23 July 2022 Portavogie Rangers Football Club supports the RNLI
18 July 2022 Portaferry RNLI enters the 'Paper Boat Race'
26 June 2022 Joan Peacock receives recognition for 20+ years fundraising
18 June 2022 Water Safety Team support Donaghadee RNLI Open Day
8 June 2022 RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie visits Portaferry Station
2 June 2022 Pat Browne recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours
1 January 2022 Portavogie Charity Dip
1 January 2022 Ross Memorial Fishing Cup won by Crew Member
30 December 2021 Portavogie Christmas Lights raise £683.72
20 November 2021 Ross Jord Fishery raises £500 for the RNLI
8 October 2021 Fisherman's Cup raises £530 for RNLI
11 Sept 2021 Lifeboat Crew support Portavogie Tide & Turf Festival
30 August 2021 Safety Cover and East Down Yacht Club Treasure Hunt
14 June 2021 Water Safety advice helped save lives
28 July 2020 Ballywalter Young Farmers raise £4,398.54 for the RNLI
13 February 2020 St Joseph's Primary School visit the station
29 January 2020 'Cuan Kids' play group visit the station
2 December 2019  New crew opportunities
15 Nov 2019 Ballywalter Young Farmers and Kircubbin Integrated PS
4 October 2019 Portaferry RNLI celebrates 40 years of life-saving
17 Sept 2019 Photographer Jack Lowe visits the Station
28 July 2019 Portaferry Crew assist RNLI 'Respect the Water' message
26 July 2019 Killyleagh Yacht Club raises £1,200 for the RNLI
20 July 2019 Portrush Football Club win the RNLI Fishermans Cup
11 May 2019 Community Safety Team attends Quoile Yacht Club's RNLI Lifeboat Race event
10 May 2019 Community Safety Team assist Donaghadee RNLI 'Sporting Challenge'
6 March 2019  1st Ards Scout group & Cuan Pre School visit the Station
17 January 2019 St Joseph's School visited the station
4 December 2018 1st Kircubbin Scouts visit the Lifeboat
3 November 2018  Four long-serving volunteers retire
1 November 2018  Portaferry RNLI seeks to appoint Community Safety Advisors & Station Visits Volunteers
12 Sept 2018 James & Belinda Richardson & Portavogie Youth 11's football team visit station
15 August 2018 Kirkistown Castle GC RNLI Golf Day raises over £1,600
16 May 2018  Station seeks to appoint 'Lifeboat Visits Volunteers'
28 January 2018 - 65th anniversary of the sinking of the Princess Victoria
8 January 2018 - Mary Hickey, 65 year old 'RNLI Lap of the Map' runner visits Portaferry Station
1 January 2018 - Simon Rogers appointed as new Lifeboat Operations Manager
11 November 2017 - Vacancy - Post of Lifeboat Operations Manager
21 September 2017 - Portavogie Rangers Football Club support the RNLI Respect the Water campaign
10 April 2017 - Paintings by Duxy Leahy in memory of the crew of Helicopter Rescue 116
1 April 2017 - RNLI Lifeboat 'Voluntary Worker' retires
13 November 2016 - Pat Browne represents fundraisers at London's Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday
January 2016 - Tyne class 'Voluntary Worker' is still saving lives
9 November 2015 - Margaret Barbour retires
13 September 2015 - Down Cruising Club presents cheque for £500
25 June 2015 - Awards for Mike Miall, Vera Murphy & Susan Brewster
23 April 2015 - Bernadette Rogers retires as Hon Secretary of Guild
16 April 2015 - Comber Rifle Club present cheque to the RNLI
21 March 2015 - Photos of the Portaferry RNLI 35th Anniversary Ball
30 January 2015 - Eveleigh Brownlow invested with MBE
1 November 2014 - Eddie and Marie McGee's years of service recognised
13 June 2014 - Eveleigh Brownlow awarded the MBE
22 May 2014 - Leonard Lawson DLA receives Gold Medal at UK Awards
22 May 2014 - RNLI London Awards highlights Northern Ireland rescue
1 February 2014 - Isabel Hood appointed LMG Chairman
6 January 2014 - Tidal surge less than predicted
30 September 2013 - Former shore crew member now a 2nd Coxswain
27 September 2013 - Fisherman meets his rescuers
7 August 2013 - Kirkistown Castle Golf Club raises £2,865 for the RNLI
3 August 2013 - Six RNLI lifeboats in joint exercise on the Irish Sea
12 July 2013 - Mongol Rally raises funds for Portaferry RNLI
12 June 2013 - Ann Miall receives a Certificate of Thanks
7 March 2013 - Paul Boissier, RNLI Chief Executive, visits Portaferry RNLI
29 December 2012 - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals presented
12 September 2012 - 'Chill at the Mill' raises £1,640.60 for the RNLI
8 August 2012 - RNLI Golf Day at KCGC raises £3,342
June 2012 - Passover Dinner and Lenten Appeal raises £2,000
June 2012 - Orange Order funds lifejackets
24 May 2012 - Dr Daryl Birkett receives the RNLI's thanks
13 April 2012 - The historic 'Herbert John' is launched again
4 December 2011 - Crew Members receive 'Certificates of Service'
10 August 2011 - Kirkistown Castle Golf Club - Lifeboat Day results
23 June 2011 - Margaret Barbour receives a Certificate of Thanks
9 April 2011 - Churches and Sunday Schools visit Portaferry RNLI
1 January 2011 - Sammy Gordon appointed as DLA
17 December 2010 - Gabriel Rogers retires
11 August 2010 - Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
26 June 2010 - Billy Ellison receives Statuette and Certificate of Service
5 June 2010 -  New Boathouse opening & 'Blue Peter V' Naming Ceremony
1 June 2010 - Portaferry RNLI Boathouse Appeal
31 May 2009 - Joan Peacock, Jean Keenan & Mike Miall receive awards
27 May 2010 - Pat Browne receives RNLI Gold Badge
2 April 2009 - Interview with Leonard Lawson DLA
18 August 2008 - Young Farmers raise £2,500 for new Boathouse
May 2008 - Dr David Peacock awarded a RNLI Gold Medal
January 2008 - Coast Review Committee visits Portaferry
9 June 2007 - Tommy Mason and Anne Marie Mahon abseil down BT Tower and raise £500
1 January 2007 - Awards for Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow and Mr John Murray
23 November 2006 - Simon Rogers awarded the RNLI's 'Thanks of the Institution on Vellum' for his role in the saving one person and the search for missing crew of the fishing vessel Greenhill	November 2004 - Portaferry RNLI 25th Anniversary Ball
15 November 2006 - Admiral Sir Jock Slater visits Poratferry Lifeboat	June 2004 - BBC Bargain Hunt comes to Portaferry
1 November 2006 - John Murray & Dessie Rogers awarded 'Blue Peter Gold Badge'	May 2004 - Peter Nicholson CBE (Chairman RNLI) and his wife (Lesley-Jane) visit Portaferry Station
6 October 2006 - John Murray & Dessie Rogers Retire	May 2004 - Jim Brown receives 'Certificate of Thanks'
9 August 2006 - KCGC 'Lifeboat Day' raises over £4,000	June 2003 - Crew receive Queen's Jubilee Medals
8 June 2006 - President of Ireland opens new Ireland Headquarters of the RNLI	May 2003 - 2002 service record
18 May 2006 - RNLI Gold Badge awarded to the late Dr Billy Brown is presented by HRH The Princess Alexandra.	January 2003 - Secretary of State visits station
8t March 2006 - It is with regret that we record the death of our esteemed President Dr William (Billy) Brown.	August 2002 - Golf event raises £20,000
December 2005 - Billy Brown awarded RNLI gold badge	June 2002 - Lea Bradshaw receives her Silver Badge and Certificate
November 2005 - Letter of thanks re search for missing boy	21 May 2002 - Newtownards Round Table visit station
October 2005 - Tsunami relief	8 May 2002 - James Fitzsimmons receiving a Certificate of Service
26 May 2005 - Marie McGee & Jonathan Brownlee receive Certificate of Thanks
19 May 2005 - Bernadette Rogers receives Gold Badge	May 2002 - Exercise with Strangford Ferry
	August 2001 - Ards Borough Council donates spent bedding plants
17 February 2005 - Guild raise over £31,000	17 May 2001 - Eveleigh Brownlow honoured
11 Dec 2004 - 15 Nautical Mile Walk raises £3,884	9 May 2001 - Fundraisers efforts recognised
February 2005 - Guyana Flood Relief	1 May 2001 - Portaferry Lifeboat 21st Birthday
February 2005 - Tsunami Fund Raising	March 2001 - Freedom of the Borough of Ards

 

2 August 2025

Portaferry RNLI opened the big doors of our boathouse on Saturday 2nd August and welcomed the public to meet some of our crew, see our lifeboat up close and learn how to stay safe around the water.

Our neighbours at Queen's University Marine Laboratory was also open, and the Portaferry Sails & Sounds festival was in full swing.

Visitors were able to see around the lifeboat station and on board the Atlantic 85 lifeboat

 

Pat Browne & Joan Peacock manned the RNLI Pop-UP Shop

Photos: Lissa McCully LPO

31 May 2025

Portaferry EuroSpar collection raises funds for the RNLI

£533.43 was raised at the Portaferry Eurospar collection and ballot.

Thank you to everyone who dropped by and supported us, and congratulations to Matthew Peacock

who won the hamper.

Photo: Lissa McCully LPO

10 April 2025

Colin Watson Remembered

Portaferry RNLI honoured a legacy made by a faithful chronicler and stalwart friend of Portaferry RNLI by the unveiling of a new plaque in memory of longtime RNLI volunteer and photographer, Colin Watson at Portaferry Lifeboat Station on Thursday evening (10 April).

Tributes were paid as friends and lifeboat volunteers gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque in memory of the long-serving RNLI volunteer and photographer, Colin Watson who also left a legacy to the charity to be used for the running of the County Down lifeboat station.

Colin passed away peacefully at Seapatrick Care Home, Banbridge, on 18 May 2020 and left a lasting legacy, both through his generous bequest to Portaferry Lifeboat Station and the countless memories he created with his camera photographing numerous RNLI events and stations.

Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager recalled her own memories of Colin in her speech saying: ‘He would almost appear out of nowhere. Many were aware of Colin who would show up to the lifeboat station with just his camera and a ladder. He had a special love for Portaferry and would have been very close to the Murray family and often called in for a cup of tea and bit of cake.’

Colin was more than just a familiar face at a lifeboat station. He was a dedicated educator, having lectured at Belfast Metropolitan College for many years. He was a passionate photographer and inspired hundreds of students.

It was here that he met his great friend and colleague Róisín McCaffrey, who would often accompany him on his RNLI photography visits. Róisín remembered her dear friend in front of a packed lifeboat station: ‘He was an only child and had never married so the RNLI became his family. There was nothing he loved more than going out on the lifeboat during an exercise so that he could photograph the lifeboat crews. It made perfect sense that he would leave a legacy to the station he loved so much. He was involved with the RNLI until the very end.’

The ceremony was attended by many of Colin’s friends, along with colleagues, lifeboat crew and fundraising volunteers. One of which was the RNLI’s Head of Region, Anna Classon, who along with his friend Róisín, unveiled the plaque in Colin’s honour.

Anna spoke fondly of her own memories of Portaferry station and of Colin: ‘Colin Watson’s memory lives on not just in the photographs he captured, but in the enduring spirit of support and dedication he brought to the RNLI.’ Colin may no longer be behind the camera, but his legacy remains very much a part of the lifeboat community he so deeply cherished.

 

Colin Watson

Photo - RNLI

10 April 2025

Crew Members awarded RNLI Commendation by the
RNLI Lifesaving Operations Director

(Left) - Anna Classon, RNLI Head of Ireland (Region) with the four awardees and (right) Heather Kennedy, Portaferry Lifeboat Operations Manager

Photo: Lissa McCully LPO

Four Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew members involved in a rescue in September 2024 have been awarded a RNLI commendation from the charity's Lifesaving Operations Director for their seamanship and teamwork during the lifesaving rescue of two sailors when a fire broke out on their yacht.

Helm on the call out, Scott Blackwood and crew Chris Adair, Ros Watret and Molly Crowe launched the inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V on Saturday 7 September 2024 into a calm, force 2, light north-easterly breeze. Initially the request to launch was to two sailors on a 35ft yacht that had lost engine power just over one mile north of the Fairway Buoy at the entrance into Strangford Lough, however an update reported a burning smell onboard the vessel.

The lifeboat arrived on scene within 15 minutes and after a quick assessment, both crew on deck were observed to be well but when flames were seen in the cabin area, both casualties were transferred to the lifeboat immediately and returned to Portaferry station. The lifeboat then returned to the location of the burning yacht to ensure there was no threat to other vessels in the area.

Speaking after receiving his award, Portaferry RNLI helm Scott Blackwood said: 'It is a great honour for each of us to receive this commendation from the Lifesaving Operations Director and I'm grateful to the rest of the crew on the lifeboat that day for their commitment to bringing the casualties to safety. The situation escalated quickly once fire broke out, and we had a very different situation to deal with from what we were originally tasked to. 'It was great to be able to bring both casualties to safety and the recognition from our Lifesaving Operations Director is a great boost to everyone in Portaferry Station.

' Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, added: 'The crew were tasked to a yacht making little headway without engine power in the calm conditions, and dealt with a very different situation once on scene. The swift decision making of the crew is what gave this rescue a good outcome.'

Report by Lissa McCully LPO

 

6 December 2024

Lord Lieutenant of County Down presents

King's Coronation Medals

 

Portaferry RNLI welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of County Down, Mr Gawn Rowan Hamilton, to their station on Friday evening (6th December) for the presentation of Coronation Medals to seven crew members.

The King's Coronation Medals were awarded to frontline emergency service workers to mark the coronation of RNLI patron, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla which took place on May 6th 2023.

During an intimate evening for friends and family of the crew, helms Chris Adair and Scott Blackwood gave the Lord-Lieutenant a tour of the lifeboat station before the presentation.

Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: 'Approximately 4500 RNLI volunteers and staff will receive these medals and I am honoured that we have 11 medals awarded to Portaferry RNLI.

'We are delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant was able to join us this evening to present these medals. We are the closest station to his hometown of Killyleagh and our crew were called upon to rescue a sailor close to Killyleagh just a few days ago.

'I'd like to pass on my congratulations and thanks to all our medal recipients here this evening, Paddy Ritchie who couldn't join us, and to three past crew members, Colin Conway, David Fisher, and Philip Johnston for their service to Portaferry Lifeboat.'

Coronation Medals were presented to: Helm Chris Adair joined Portaferry crew in May 2014 having previously working with Belfast Coastguard which provided him with valuable knowledge on the search and rescue frontline. His daughter Niamh, his number one fan, can often be seen waving him off at shouts and calling 'bye Daddy.'

George Toma joined the crew in 2010 and is the longest serving boat crew member at present. Originally from Romania but now settled in Portaferry, he is very much part of the community also being a member of the Fire Service. George has taken part in many rescues over the years, and was awarded the RNLI Chief Executive Commendation earlier this year.

Michael Doyle came to Portaferry as a GP in 1991 and took on the post of our station Honorary Medical Officer in 2006. Micheal is called upon for advice in a medical emergency and he performs our crew sea going medicals and reviews.

John Murray joined Portaferry RNLI when the station was founded in 1979. His roles have included crew member, helm, tractor driver, mechanic, and presently launch authority. He has seen several boats, countless crews, and many developments in the RNLI.

Tory Killen joined as shore crew in August 2014 and has now progressed to head launcher as well as a very capable Station Administration Officer and is a talented baker in her spare time.

Jordan Conway joined in 2016 as shore crew and is now head launcher, having previously worked as Lifeboat Press Officer for several years. Jordan is an RYA race coach and sailing Instructor running courses at Strangford Sailing Club as their chief instructor and has just bought her first boat, a flying fifteen and is looking forward to competing next season.

Terence O’Neill joined the crew in 2015. His first call out to three kayakers caught in bad weather was also his most memorable. Terence is a workshop controller for BMW and with a young family he is currently standing down as crew.

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

13 September 2024

Paddy Lowry appointed as

Lifeboat Helm

 

 

Paddy Lowry - Portaferry Lifeboat Helm

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Comber man Paddy Lowry is Portaferry RNLI's newest helm after he successfully passed a rigorous assessment following months of intensive training.

Paddy joined Portaferry RNLI in 2022 after moving close to Portaferry with his family.

In 2023 he became one of two station mechanics taking on maintenance responsibilities and earlier this year started training towards becoming an inshore lifeboat helm.

The helm is a volunteer crew member in charge of the inshore lifeboat when launching, at sea and when the boat is being recovered and made ready for the next rescue. When on a rescue the helm also takes responsibility for the safety of the crew. Over the summer

Paddy has undergone extensive training and has now passed a series of assessments making sure he is prepared and ready to take on this new role.

Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Heather Kennedy said: 'Paddy has worked very hard over the past few months to attain his helm pass out. He is always prepared to go the extra mile to fix and sort items giving his time generously for the benefit of our boat and station.'

Paddy said: 'I'm delighted to have passed out as inshore lifeboat helm at Portaferry lifeboat station. 'My wife Terri, our LOM Heather, and the rest of the crew have been really supportive over these past few months and I'm really grateful for all the encouragement and good advice. 'I'd also like to thank Coastal Lifeboat Trainers Simon Bunting and Mark Mitchell for everything they have contributed to my training and pass out. I've learnt a lot and I'm really looking forward to this new challenge.'

7 August 2024

Helmsman and Crew awarded the Chief Executive's Commendation for rescue

 

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Four Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew members involved in a rescue in November 2022 have been awarded the charity's Chief Executive's Commendation for their courage and seamanship during the lifesaving rescue of two people who got into difficulty while kayaking.

Helm on the call out, Dave Fisher and crew Russell McGovern, George Toma and Darren Coles launched the inshore lifeboat on Monday 7th November 2022. Conditions on launching were cloudy with good visibility, with a strong force six south westerly wind and moderate sea state. After a search of Kilclief Bay, crew were requested by HM Coastguard to move further out of Strangford Lough and continue the search.

The lifeboat crew moved towards Strangford Bar and Killard Point and after assessing sea conditions were about to request support from flanking RNLI stations, Newcastle and Donaghadee, with their all-weather lifeboats and a Coastguard helicopter when the Coastguard informed the lifeboat crew that one of the individuals was now reported to be in the water and was at risk of being lost before other assets arrived.

With this new and critical information, the crew decided to commit to Strangford's bar mouth and commenced a search one mile east of St. Patrick’s Rock where they faced a strong force wind storm with an unpredictable and rough sea state with breaking swells of 9-10m.

One of the crew onboard was Dave Fisher who was on his first rescue since passing out as a helm. He said: 'It is a great honour for each of us to receive this commendation from the Chief Executive and I'm thankful to the rest of the crew on the lifeboat that day for their courage and commitment.' Russell McGovern added: 'Conditions had been building for a couple of days and when we headed out over Strangford Bar we were dealing with a storm hitting against a full spring ebb tide. A challenging time to be out there. In seas like that you can only see as far as the next wave, George did well to catch a glimpse of the kayak.'

Fortunately, both casualties were found, brought ashore at Strangford pontoon and transferred to Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for medical assessment.

 

 

17 July 2024

New Portaferry Lifeboat Helm appointed

Heather Kennedy LOM, Scott Blackwood and Lenny Fourie RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Lifeboat crew member, Scott Blackwood, has been appointed as a Lifeboat Helm of the Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V'. Scott joined Portaferry Lifeboat station as a new crew member in 2020 and has received on-going RNLI training during the past four years.

With the help of James Gillespie, a lifeboat helm of Bangor Lifeboat Station, Scott was assessed and passed out as Helm by Lenny Fourie, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer (Ireland).

30th June 2024

Killyleagh Yacht Club

Keelboat Weekend

Portaferry Lifeboat's Fundraising and Water Safety teams attended Killyleagh Yacht Club's Keelboat weekend and Portaferry's lifeboat crew called in during an exercise.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Portaferry Lifeboat crew members and Water Safety team attended the event

 

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Joan Peacock manned the Portaferry Lifeboat pop-up shop

 

9 June 2024

Joint Exercise with the Strangford Ferry, HM Coastguard Portaferry & Portaferry RNLI

 

Portaferry RNLI joined the Strangford Lough ferry service and Portaferry Coastguard on Sunday morning (9th June) for a planned man-over-board exercise on Strangford Lough.

There was a force 4-5 light westerly breeze at the time and a slightly choppy sea.

When the alarm was raised that one, then two people had fallen overboard, the ferry crew nominated spotters to track the location of the casualties in the water while their Strangford II rescue boat was launched with 3 crew onboard.

The importance of loud and precise instruction was demonstrated, and the first casualty was brought out of the water by the ferry's rescue boat within minutes.

Portaferry lifeboat volunteer crew launched promptly when contacted by the Coastguard and were able to locate the second casualty quickly.

Once lifted out of the water, the volunteer lifeboat crew assessed the condition of the casualty before both were brought to the shore and handed over to Portaferry Coastguard who continued casualty care alongside RNLI volunteers.

The exercise was observed by representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and both the Senior and Principal engineers from Strangford Lough ferry service.

After a detailed debrief of the exercise, everyone involved enjoyed breakfast in Portaferry Lifeboat Station.

Captain Robert Anderson of Strangford Lough ferry service said: 'The exercise went well and highlighted the difficulty of retrieving a casualty from the water. 'It was a valuable hour, and good to have co-operation from both the RNLI and HM Coastguard this morning providing a more realistic scenario rather than our usual drills. The ferry crew responded quickly, worked as a team and gained experience.'

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

18 June 2024

 

Billy Ellison

Remembered

8 October 1945 - 15 January 2023

 

 

 

 

The family of the late Billy Ellison have presented a beautifully crafted bench to Portaferry lifeboat in his memory.

Before taking over as lifeboat treasurer, Billy was known to be a solid and dependable crew member in the 80’s and 90’s and although he had a great talent and understanding of the role, Billy was content and never aspired to progress further. He was a man who just got on with the job in hand without any fuss. If he didn't know, he'd ask.

In 1982 Billy was awarded a Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for his part in the Jane's Rock Rescue which saw two survivors located and brought to safety in very high seas.

His original acceptance speech from the presentation evening was found recently and was read aloud, many of his family and friends remembered him reading it in Portaferry Market House over forty years previous.

As well as his family, some fellow lifeboat crew members and Gala committee friends joined us and memories of Billy as a crew member, the RNLI treasurer, a loyal friend, fond Uncle, and brother were shared.

The lifeboat launched twice that evening. The first shout happening just as everyone was gathering which provided good viewing. Some wondered if Billy was watching on.

The bench was built by Paul Collins at Marlfield Joinery and Construction and now sits just outside the gates of the Portaferry Lifeboat house. If you happen to be down by the station, sit for a while and remember a man who loved Portaferry, the Gala and the lifeboat.

 

Martin Ellison (left) and Famiiy with Heather Kennedy LOM (2nd right)

John Murray (Portaferry RNLI President)

 

Martin Ellison (right) with Lifeboat Guild members Mike Miall (Vice-Chair/Treasurer), Ann Miall and Pat Browne (Chair).

Martin Ellison (Centre) with past and present crew members and station management

 

8 June 2024

EuroSpar Killyleagh supports the RNLI

 

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Portaferry RNLI fundraising volunteers visited EuroSpar Killyleagh store on Saturday 8th June.

An impressive total of £523 was placed in collection buckets, with a further £133 being spent at the RNLI Pop-UP Shop.

Pat Browne, Portaferry fundraising chairperson commented, 'it's been a great day spent in Killyleagh EuroSpar and I would like to thank everyone who either made a donation or bought something from our shop. 'Thanks also to Darren, Jonny, Niamh and the staff from Killyleagh EuroSpar for such a warm welcome.

26 May 2024

Portaferry RNLI

RNLI 200 Thanksgiving Service

 

The 200th anniversary of the RNLI was celebrated on Sunday 26 May with a cross community service of thanksgiving held in the Portaferry community centre.

Thank you to everyone who attended or took part in the service.

We had great support from the local community but we know many of you travelled to Portaferry from further afield.

We appreciate the efforts made by so many of you to join us for this celebration of our charity's history.

We thank those who helped from behind the scenes yesterday, those who guided us and helped with the planning, and those who supported us financially.

 

 

Pat Browne BEM - Chair Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

Heather Kennedy LOM & Platform Party

Heather Kennedy LOM with Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Crew

Pat Browne BEM, Margaret Barbour, Eveleigh Brownlow MBE & Joan Peacock

Heather Kennedy LOM with Newcastle & Portaferry Lifeboat crew members

 

2 May 2024

Civic Reception to mark the

200th Anniversary of the RNLI

 

Photo: Ards & North Down District Council

John Murray, President of Portaferry Lifeboat Station, receives a 200th Anniversary plaque from Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, Mayor of Ards & North Down Borough Council   Photo: ANDBC

The Mayor of Ards & North Down Borough Council, hosted a Civic Reception in Bangor Castle on the evening of 2nd May in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1824.

Attending the reception were crew members, fundraisers and other representatives from Bangor, Donaghadee and Portaferry lifeboat stations.

 

4 March 2024

Westminster Abbey

RNLI 200 Thanksgiving Service

 

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Photo: l to r  - Pat Browne BEM (Chair Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild), Evelyn Bennett BEM (Chair Donaghadee RNLI Fundraiaing Team), Liz Brown (Donaghadee RNLI Fundraising Team) and Joan Peacock (Souvenir Secretary, Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild)

Pat Browne BEM and Joan Peacock represented Portaferry RNLI at the RNLI 200 Thanksgiving Service that was held in Westminster Abbey on 4th March 2024.  Accompanying them from Donaghadee RNLI were Evelyn Bennett BEM and Liz Brown.

 

14 February 2024

Lisburn Sub-Aqua Club raises £750

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Portaferry RNLI were delighted to welcome representatives from Lisburn Sub Aqua Club who handed over a cheque for £750.

The club was formed in 1970 but with 50th anniversary celebrations delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the occasion was marked with a well attended dinner and raffle in October of last year.

As a training club who encourage young people to get involved and learn new skills, the variety of water conditions Strangford Lough offers makes it the perfect location to dive all year round.

The £750 handed over included a donation from Armagh Sub Aqua Club. Portaferry RNLI thanks both Clubs for their efforts.

 

27 January 2024

Portaferry GAC donates £350

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Many thanks to Portaferry GAC who presented a cheque for over £350 which was raised from participants of Ferry Fit during a charity day.

Your continued support is always appreciated.

 

13 January 2024

Mark Browne Remembered

Mark Browne, a former helmsman of Portaferry Lifeboat Station, passed away peacefully on 13th December 2023 after a short illness.

Mark was appointed as a helmsman in 1979 during trials to ascertain the need to establish a lifeboat station in Portaferry.

Portaferry Lifeboat was officially opened on 1st May 1980.

During a function in the Portaferry Sailing Club on 13th January, Heather Kennedy, Lifeboat Operations Manager, presented a framed 'Launch a Memory' certificate on behalf of the lifeboat crew members to Pat Browne BEM (Mark's wife and Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) and Stuart Browne (Mark's son). Mark's name will be inscribed in his memory on a newly commissioned Shannon Class lifeboat.

During the evening, Heather Kennedy conveyed the thanks of the station to retiring crew member Dave Fisher.

 

Pat Browne and Stuart Browne receive a 'Launch a Memory' certificate from Heather Kennedy LOM

'Launch a Memory' certificate in memory of Mark Browne

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

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November 2023

Water Safety Visits

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

During the Autumn school term we welcomed pupils from St Mary's Primary School Portaferry and Kircubbin Integrated Primary School during separate visits when they learned about the importance of 'Water Safety' and 'Float to Live' messages.

Following the Water Safety presentations, the pupils were escorted to see 'Blue Peter V' where volunteer lifeboat crew members were on hand to explain the life-saving equipment on board the Portaferry Lifeboat.

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6 November 2023

Welcome Heather Kennedy LOM

Photo: RNLI/Portaferry RNLI

Welcome Heather!

We are delighted to welcome Heather Kennedy into her new role as Lifeboat Operations Manager for our station here at Portaferry RNLI.

A former lifeboat crew member who joined the volunteer team at Portaferry RNLI in 1980 when she was just 17, Heather recently returned to her hometown where she has now taken up the reins as Lifeboat Operations Manager, a position her father held when she first joined. Heather officially took up the Lifeboat Operations Manager position on the 12 October but says it was far from her mind when she moved back to Portaferry last November.

She succeeds outgoing Lifeboat Operations Manager Philip Johnston who led the team for almost five years having also served for many years before that as a Deputy Launching Authority and a crew member.

‘The lifeboat was only here a year when I became a crew member at the age of 17 in 1980,’ Heather explains. ‘My dad Billy Brown was the Honorary Secretary as it was known then, and he was the main reason I got involved. I was mad keen to join the crew and the D class lifeboat which eventually moved to the Atlantic 21 class. I trained and passed out as a helm in Cowes but also qualified as a nurse during the same period so after 12 years on the crew, I moved to England for work.’

While sailing always featured in Heather’s life, it wasn’t until she moved home to Portaferry a year ago, that she got involved with the RNLI again: ‘I thought I could quietly come back and volunteer as shore crew which I did for the first few months, but then other people had other ideas for me when the vacancy for Lifeboat Operations Manager came up.’

As for following in her father’s footsteps in becoming the Lifeboat Operations Manager, Heather says taking on the role is an honour: ‘It is a real privilege to be the Lifeboat Operations Manager for a station and I know that when I think of all the Lifeboat Operations Managers that have gone before me and the respect that I have for them. I know I have big boots to fill and that there are expectations when our safe and reliable lifeboat is requested to launch when the time arises.’ Heather has seen significant changes since her time as a crew member and has a variety of new responsibilities.

‘So much has changed since I was a crew member here in the eighties. We now have an Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, all the crew have their individual personal protective equipment (PPE) and there have been so many advancements in technology and equipment, all changes in the good and right way. ‘There has been a lot to get my head around including everything relating to the crew’s training and the technical and digital side of things but what I have found so far is that everybody is falling over themselves to help me.

I have also had great support from people in the sailing club, the community, and my family.

Everyone at the station including our 25-strong team of lifeboat and shore crew, have been very welcoming, friendly, and supportive and I have got great help and advice from my fellow launching authorities including John Murray who was a crew member at the same time as me.’

Wishing her well in the role, Phillip Johnston, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said: ‘Heather is helping the RNLI to save lives at sea by carrying out the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station at Portaferry. I want to thank and commend her for the work she has done in her short time in the role to date, to authorise the launch of the lifeboat, to provide leadership to the operations team and to ensure that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboat and all associated equipment. It is a busy volunteer role and one I hope she continues to enjoy and finds rewarding as she supports the team around her.’

Author: Nuala McAloon - Regional Media Officer

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13th September 2023

Mayor's Charities Announced

The Mayor of Ards & North Down District Council, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, has announced the three charities she has chosen to support during her term of office. The chosen charities are, the Royal British Legion, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and K9 Search & Rescue.  

Photo: Ards & North Down District Council

Pictured above are (left to right) - Councillor Jennifer Gilmour (Mayor of Ards & North Down District Council), Pat Browne BEM (Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild), Joan Peacock (Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild), Liz Brown (Donaghadee RNLI Fundraising Team), Evelyn Bennett BEM (Chair of Donaghadee RNLI Fundraising Team) and Kevin Baird CMM (Bangor RNLI).

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27 July 2023

Church of Ireland parishioners raise £1,001

 

Photo: Jordan Conway LPO - RNLI

Revd. Canon Gill Withers and parishioners of Portaferry, Kircubbin and Greyabbey Church of Ireland churches presented a cheque for £1,001 in aid of the RNLI to Mollie Crowe, Portaferry Lifeboat crew member, during a meeting at the Lifeboat Station

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19 July 2023

Portaferry Gala - Paper Boat Race

2023

Portaferry Lifeboat crew members participated again in the Portaferry Gala's annual Paper Boat Race

And 'Stormy Stan' came along too

As did the familiar Portaferry Lifeboat Shop volunteers

Photos: Jordan Conway LPO - RNLI

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8 June 2023

'Smugglers Table' event raises £1,700

Julie and Roy from the 'Smugglers Table' in Killyleagh visited Portaferry Lifeboat Station to present a cheque for £1.700 in aid of the RNLI.
Our thanks to 'Smugglers Table' for your continuing support for the RNLI.

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24 May 2023

Mayor's 'Making a Difference' Reception

Cllr. Karen Douglas, Mayor of Ards and North Down District Council, hosted a reception in Bangor Castle for volunteer crew and fundraisers from Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station.  During the event the Mayor presented a 'Making a Difference' plaque to Portaferry Lifeboat Station on behalf of Ards & North Down Council which was accepted by Pat Brown BEM, Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

 

Colin Hagan from Portaferry RNLI was invited to cut a cake inscribed 'Thank you Portaferry RNLI' which was kindly provided by the Mayor

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

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29 January 2023

New Year Swim raises £600 for the RNLI

Photo: Jordan Conway LPO - RNLI

Angela Ledie presenting a cheque for £600 following a New Year Swim at Portavogie Beach which raised funds in aid of Diabetes UK and the RNLI

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10 November 2022

Wine Tasting & Canapé Evening
at 'The Cuan'

Photo credit: The Cuan

'The Cuan', Strangford, held a 'Wine Tasting & Canapé Evening' in support of the RNLI at which Mike Tindal from Searsons Wine Merchants gave an informative talk and introduced wines from around the world. Members from Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild and the station's Water Safety team were invited to attend.  The event raised £315 for the RNLI.

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3 October 2022

Eighteen Portaferry RNLI volunteers rewarded for their dedication to saving lives at sea

A group of 18 volunteers from Portaferry RNLI have been rewarded and recognised for their dedication to saving lives at sea.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

At a special meeting held in Portaferry on 9 September 2022, two crew members received a commendation letter from the RNLI for their role in a call-out two years ago.

Two volunteers received long service awards from the charity while 13 volunteers were presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal.

Meanwhile, Patricia Browne was recognised for receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 42 years of service.

Volunteer crew members Fergal Glynn and Ian Sands were recognised for their dedication and service during a multi-agency search and exceptional delivery of casualty care rescue response two years ago when they worked to recover a casualty from the water who was sadly later pronounced deceased.

Long service awards were presented to Jeremy Rogers for 26 years and Simon Rogers for 23 years. During their service at Portaferry RNLI, they served as Inshore lifeboat crew, helmsmen and Simon also acted as the Portaferry lifeboat operations manager. Simon and Jeremy rescued 108 lives between them during their years of service.

As a token of thanks, 13 volunteers from Portaferry RNLI, Chris Adair, Sinead Breen, Colin Conway, Jordan Conway, Graham Edgar, Simon Exley, Tory Killen, Fiona Magee, John Murray, Terence O’Neill, Paddy Ritchie, Mark Stevenson and George Toma were among the 4,500 volunteers and frontline staff to be awarded a special commemorative Platinum Jubilee medal in recognition of the 65,886 lives the RNLI has saved during the Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year-reign. The commemorative medal was created to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

In June, volunteer Patricia Browne was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 42 years of service to the RNLI. First joining the institution in 1979 at Portaferry RNLI, shortly before the town’s lifeboat station was officially established in 1980, Patricia has held the position of chair of the Portaferry Fundraising Branch for 27 years. Under her leadership, the Portaferry Fundraising Branch has raised over £221,000 for the RNLI in the last 10 years.

Speaking at the event, Philip Johnston, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘As a station team, we are truly delighted and appreciative of the recognition by the charity and others, of our volunteer work in saving lives at sea. It has been a challenging few years for everyone with the pandemic so it is really wonderful that we can gather as a team tonight and reward those who have been recognised for their efforts. Their achievements are testament to their selflessness and dependability over the years and I wish to congratulate and thank them and the wider station team here in Portaferry who work tirelessly to deliver our essential lifesaving service.’

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27 September 2022

Could You Volunteer For The RNLI?

We are currently recruiting for Inshore Lifeboat Crew

Or express your interest to us directly at newcrew@portaferrylifeboat.com

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23 July 2022

Portavogie Rangers Football Club supports the RNLI

Portavogie Rangers FC win the RNLI Fishermans Cup in 2022

Photo: Portavogie Rangers FC

Portavogie Rangers Football Club held their annual 'RNLI Fishermans Cup' match against Portrush Football Club who hosted the event this year.

Result: Portrush FC 0 - Portavogie Rangers FC 6

Portavogie Rangers Scorers: James Coffee 3 - Spencer 2 - Jay Cully 1

Following the match Portrush FC provided refreshments and food for the visiting team in the Quays Portrush.

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18 July 2022

Portaferry RNLI enter for the Portaferry Gala 'Paper Boat Race'

 

Jenni & Lura crew to Portaferry RNLI entry

 

 

DOWN THE YEARS

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

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18 June 2022

Portaferry RNLI Water Safety Team attends Donaghadee RNLI 'Lifeboat Open Day'

Ian Harrison (Centre) and his Water Safety Team

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

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26 June 2022

Joan Peacock recognised for 20+ years of fundraising

Joan Peacock (centre) with Anna Classon - (RNLI Head of Ireland Region) and Dr David Peacock   

Photo: George Pennock Photography

Joan Peacock from Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guils has received recognition during a RNLI awards function held at Belfast Castle on 26 June for helping to raise significant lifesaving funds for the RNLI for over 20 years

Note - Joan's husband, Dr David Peacock, served as the station's Lifeboat Medical Officer from the station's opening in May 1980 until 2007. He was awarded the RNLI Gold Badge for his services during the RNLI AGM at the Barbican Centre London in May 2008. In addition David co-ordinated a RNLI Golf day for many years at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club and which has continued to raise significant funds annually in support of the RNLI.

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8 June 2022

Mark Dowie RNLI Chief Executive visits Portaferry RNLI

RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie (centre) with the Portaferry RNLI operational and fundraising team

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Mark Dowie, the RNLI Chief Executive, visited Portaferry RNLI on 8th June during which he was updated on the lifesaving work of the station and that of the fundraising team.

During the meeting the lifeboat crew pagers went off and the lifeboat tasked, together with Peel Lifeboat, to the aid of a kayaker estimated to be 14 NM off the Strangford Bar.  Mark commented afterwards that out of the 124 stations that he has visited so far, Portaferry was the fourth station to have had a 'shout' during his visits.

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2 June 2022

Pat Browne awarded the British Empire Medal

 

Pat Browne BEM

Photo: RNLI

Portaferry RNLI volunteer Patricia (Pat) Browne has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 42 years of service to the RNLI. First joining the institution in 1979 at Portaferry, County Down, shortly before the town’s lifeboat station was officially established in 1980.

Patricia has held the position of chair of the Portaferry Fundraising Branch for 27 years.

Commenting on her awatrd, Pat said: ‘I am honoured and delighted to be selected for this prestigious award.’ ‘With a family that frequently swim, paddleboard, fish and sail, it is reassuring to know that the competent and brave crews of the RNLI are there if the need arises.’ 'I greatly appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to them, to our fundraising team and the people who support us.’

Under Pat's leadership, the Portaferry Fundraising Branch has raised over £221k for the RNLI in the last 10 years.  With an effervescent personality, Pat is the driving force behind the branch, bringing out the best in her fellow members.

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1 January 2022

Portavogie - New Year's Day Charity Dip raises £810 for the RNLI

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Angela Ledlie, who organised the Portavogie New Year's Day Charity Dip, presents a cheque for £810 to Pat Brown, Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.  

 

Some of the large crowd who braved the weather at 'The Portavogie New Year's Charity Dip' in support of Diabetes UK and the RNLI.  Our thanks to Angela and all those who supported the event.

 

Representing Portaferry RNLI were Lissa McCully (Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Advisor) and Ian Harrison (Community Safety Officer & Portaferry RNLI DLA)

Photos: Portaferry RNLI

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1 January 2022

Ross Memorial Cup Fishing Competition

Kevin Magill (left) presents the RNLI Ross Memorial Cup to Mark Stevenson

Photo: Ross Jord Trout Fishery

The Ross Jord Trout Fishery & Angling Hub held a fishing competition on New Year's Day for the RNLI Ross Memorial Cup.  The overall winner was Mark Stevenson, a volunteer crew member from Portaferry RNLI.  Runner-up was another RNLI volunteer, David Reid from Bangor RNLI.

 Kevin Magill, who runs the fishery at Conlig, expects the event to have raised £950 for the RNLI which will be shared between Bangor and Portaferry RNLI.

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30 December 2021

Portavogie Christmas Lights

Christmas decorations and lights at a home in Portavogie have raised significant funds for the RNLI.  Gemma (pictured above) and her husband Paul McGookin recently presented the magnificant sum of £683.72 to Portaferry RNLI. Thanks to everyone who supported Gemma and Paul.

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20 November 2021

Ross Jord Fishery raises £500

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Ross Jord Fishery, located in Conlig, County Down, recently held a fishing competition in aid of Portaferry RNLI and raised £500. They are planning to hold a further fishing competition on New Years Day 2022.

Many thanks to the organisers and all the competitors. Your donation is very much appreciated 

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8 October 2021

Fishermans Cup raises £530 for the RNLI

On Thursday 8th October David Cully and James Mahood from Portavogie rangers FC visited our station to donate the proceeds from this years Fishermans Cup.

Photo: PRFC

David Cully and James Mahood present a cheque for £530

The Fishermans Cup was started in July 2018 when an agreement between Portavogie rangers and Portrush Football Club was established to host a yearly cup game to raise funds for the RNLI. This year they managed to raise £530 for the RNLI, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that donated and helped make this a successful fundraising campaign.

 

Photo: PRFC

Portaferry Rangers Football Club and Portrush Football Club

Thanks to Portavogie Rangers FC & Portrush Football Club for your continued support.

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11 September 2021

Portaferry Lifeboat Crew supports the Portavogie Tide & Turf Festival

Whilst on exercise the Portaferry Lifeboat crew called into the Portavogie Tide and Turf Festival to support the event and met up with Pat Browne, Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, who was present at the event at which a collection raised £97 for the RNLI.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Fundraisers from the Donaghadee RNLI fundraising team also attended the event and ran a pop-up Lifeboat Shop which resulted many sales of popular RNLI products.

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30 August 2021

Portaferry Lifeboat Crew attend the Strangford Raft Race and EDYC Treasure Hunt

Our volunteer lifeboat crew recently called in to support the Strangford Festival Raft Race.

They also travelled to East down Yacht Club to visit all the 'Princesses and Pirates' who took part in the EDYC Treasure Hunt and who raised funds for the RNLI.  Their generosity is much appreciated.

Well done to all the participants who took part in both events, especially Samuel Stocking who won the EDYC treasure hunt.

Samual Stocking who won the EDYC Treasure Hunt

 

Photos: Courtesy of East Down Yacht Club

Portaferry Lifeboat crew with some of the participants who took part in the EDYC Treasure Hunt

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14 June 2021

Portaferry RNLI water safety advice helped to save lives at sea on Strangford Lough

Portaferry RNLI's community safety team was delighted in recent weeks to hear feedback from a casualty that safety advice delivered by one of the team's volunteers helped him to raise the alarm when he got into difficulty on Strangford Lough.

Lissa McCully, Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Advisor, recently had a safety chat with two jet ski riders on the shore of Strangford Lough. She used the opportunity to highlight the need to have a means of calling for help in an emergency. Lissa also provided the jet skiers with RNLI waterproof phone pouches to ensure they could keep their mobiles protected when at sea.

Lissa McCully - Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Advisor

A few weeks later, one of the jet ski riders reached out to Lissa to thank her for the safety advice which he said had already been put to good use. The casualty was wearing his new phone pouch when his jet ski got into difficulty and he was able to raise the alarm with ease.

Lissa said: 'The casualty told me the only reason he was able to call for help was because the phone was in its pouch around his neck. As a result, our volunteer crew was requested to launch our inshore lifeboat and responded bringing him safely back to shore.

We were delighted he was ok and equally delighted to hear that our water safety advice really made a difference.

Ian Harrison, Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Officer added: 'As the summer approaches, we want everyone planning a trip to sea to enjoy their activities but to do so safely.'

'If you are using personal watercraft, we would advise that you always wear a personal floatation device, always carry a means of calling for help on you and that you develop your skills and training based on what is best for your needs.'

'Before going afloat tell someone where you are going and when you will be due back.
Always check the forecast and tide times.
Always check your equipment is as it should be.
Always wear a kill cord if fitted and carry a spare.
Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

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28 July 2020

Ballywalter Young Farmers raise £4,398.54 for the RNLI

Photo: Ballywalter Young Farmers

Ballywalter Young Farmers Club recently celebrated their 90th Anniversary.  As part of their celebrations they kicked of the year with a charity auction in which members offered their services including babysitting, ploughing, covering a silo and spreading slurry. The auction was a great success and the club were able to recently hand over (although not in the usual fashion) the magnicicant sum of £4398.54 to the RNLI. The club had decided to support the RNLI for two years.

The RNLI was chosen as their charity by their late patron Mrs May McAdam MBE.  

Photo: Ballywalter YFC

The late Mrs May McAdam (seated with a presentation picture)

 

Photo: Ballywalter Young Farmers Club

Ballywalter Young Farmers Club during a station visit in November 2019

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13 February 2020

St. Joseph's Primary School pupils visit the Station

Photo: St Joseph's Primary School

St. Joseph's Primary School P3 class from Strangford visited Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station to learn about how to stay safe around water and what to do if they see someone in trouble in the water.

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29 January 2020

'Cuan Kids' pre-school came to visit

Photo: Cuan Kids pre-school

We had a great visit from the ‘Cuan Kids’ pre-school group and we’re so glad they had lots of fun seeing our RNLI Blue Peter V lifeboat.

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2 December 2019

If you were unable to attend and want more information please click here

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15 Nov 2019

Kircubbin Integrated Primary School pupils and Ballywalter Young Farmers visit the Lifeboat Station

It was a very busy week for our Community Safety Team and our Lifeboat Crew when the pupils from the P3 class of Kircubbin Integrated Primary School followed by members of 2nd Newtownards Scouts and Ballywalter Young Farmers Club visited the Lifeboat Station.

Photo credit: Kircubbin Integrated Primary School

During their visit the pupils of the P3 Class of Kircubbin Integrated Primary School learnt about staying safe by the coast, calling for help and our crew members showed them around our Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Blue Peter V

 

Photo credit: Kircubbin Integrated Primary School

One of our crew members showed P3 pupils around 'Blue Peter V'

 

Photo credit: Ballywalter Young Farmers Club

During their visit the members of Ballywalter Young Farmers Club learnt about 'Water Safety' from our Community Safety Team and were able to try on some of our lifeboat crew's all important kit.

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4 October 2019

Portaferry RNLI celebrates 40 years of Life-Saving

By Jordan Conway LPO

Portaferry RNLI celebrated the station's 40th anniversary this weekend with a party and presentation evening for crew members and their families.

During the course of the evening the crew paid thanks to those past and present crew members for their dedication and hard work over the past 40 years.

Portaferry Lifeboat Station owes its origins to a RNLI lifeboat station that was established in 1884 in the village of Cloughey, Co. Down. The first lifeboat called 'The Faith' was commissioned a short while after in 1885.

With the introduction of fast inshore lifeboats that were capable of making way against strong tidal currents, (such as currents up to 8 knots experienced in the Strangford Narrows) it was decided, in 1979, to place a single-engine 'C' class lifeboat in Portaferry for evaluation. The lifeboat quickly proved to be a success and a twin engine 'D' class was commissioned and the Station was officially established on 1st May 1980. The station was upgraded to 24 hour all year operation in 1982.

The past 40 years have seen huge changes in the technology and design of the boats and the personal safety equipment worn by the crew. Portaferry now operates a 'B' class Atlantic 85 lifeboat known as 'Blue Peter V'. Portaferry is one of seven 'Blue Peter' RNLI Lifeboat Stations, and the only one in Ireland, whose lifeboats have been sponsored by the world's longest running television programme for children, the BBC's "Blue Peter" which first broadcasted sixty years ago.

Our Atlantic 85 has twin engines, radar, VHF direction-finding equipment and a righting mechanism in the event of capsize. The 1.8 tonne lifeboat is now launched from a trailer which is towed down the slipway by a tractor specifically designed to deal with the tidal range and weather elements at Strangford Lough.

Presentations were made to past and present crew members for their hard work and commitment over the last 4 decades.

Lenny Lawson, Graeme Ellison and Billy Ellison were awarded certificates from the RNLI for their service of the many different roles they held within the station.

John Murray (jnr) and Colin Conway were presented with RNLI medals and a present from the crew to acknowledge their long service awards for 20 years (Colin) and 40 years (John).

The evening was enjoyed and attended by Crew members, family and other members of the different teams within Portaferry lifeboat station.

Photo credits: Jordan Conway LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Graeme Ellison received his 'Certificate of Service' from Darren Byres RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager

 

Philip Johnston LOM addresses those present following the presentation by Darren Byres of a 'Letter of Thanks' to Billy Ellison for his 40 years of service to the Station.

 

Leonard Lawson received his Certificate of Service from Darren Byres

 

Colin Conway (Helmsman) received his 20 years long service medal from Darren Byres

 

John Murray (snr), Pat Browne and Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow were presented with gifts as a token of thanks from the crew for all their hard work and efforts in the roles they play in the fundraising guild team and throughout the station in the past 40 years.

 

John Murray Sen (Station President) received a gift as a token of thanks from Sinead Breen on behalf of the Station for his 40 years of service.  

John Murray was one of the first station helmsmen when the station was first trialled by the RNLI in 1979.  He subsequetly served as the Station Administration Officer, Deputy Launching Authority, Honorary Secretary (now renamed Lifeboat Operations Manager) and following his retirement from this office he was appointed as Station President.  On his retirement as Honorary Secretary, John was awarded the prestigious Blue Peter Gold Badge for his services, one of very few awarded in the 60 years history of the popular BBC/CBBC children's TV programme 'Blue Peter'.  

John Murray Jnr received a gift from Sinead Breen as a token of thanks on behalf of the Station having previously been presented with his 40 years long service medal by Darren Byres.

 

Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) receives a floral arrangement from Sinead Breen as a token of thanks from the Station for her 40 year of fundraising.

 

Pat Brown (Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) received a floral arrangement from Sinead Breen as a token of thanks from the Station for her 40 years of fundraising.

All photo credits: Jordan Conway LPO - Portaferry RNLI

For a history about the earlier days of Portaferry Lifeboat since 1979 click here

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17 September 2019

Phototographer Jack Lowe of
'The Lifeboat Station Project'
visits the Station

Jack Lowe from 'The Lifeboat Station Project' visited Portaferry Station to take clear glass ambrotype photographs of the station's lifeboat crew during his journey around the UK and Ireland.

Jack's Story that led to his interest in photography;

"Photography has been in my blood since I was a young boy.

Aged 8, I received a Kodak Instamatic camera from my grandmother, a turning point from which I never looked back.  I’ve also been bitten by the RNLI bug since childhood and was one of the very early members of 'Storm Force', the RNLI’s club for junior members.  Now I’ve united those childhood passions by creating a body of beautiful, engaging work that has become my full-time occupation.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the incredible charity of brave volunteers who save lives at sea in the UK and Ireland.  Amazingly, the organisation has been entirely funded by voluntary contributions for nearly 200 years.

The earliest seeds of this project were sown in my childhood, when my love for lifeboats began.

Much later in life, after a career in photography, I found myself searching for a change in direction — something that would take me away from sitting in front of computers all day!   I considered what I felt most passionate about and wrote these words on a piece of paper:

Photography. Lifeboats. The sea.

That scrap of paper — along with a lot of thinking, dreaming and planning — led me to the idea of travelling to all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland to photograph them, in order to preserve a vital aspect of our island nation’s culture for generations to come."

CLICK HERE to go to Jack's website for more information about his continuing journey to photograph the crew of all of the RNLI's 238 lifeboat stations of the UK and Ireland.

 

Photo: Steve Hawthorne

Jack Lowe taking photographs of the crew at Portaferry Lifeboat Station

 

Photo: Steve Hawthorne

Portaferry Lifeboat Station and crew with Jack's mobile dark room, a decommissioned ambulance called 'Neena'

 

Photo: Steve Hawthorne

Getting ready !

 

Photo: Jack Lowe - Lifeboat Station Project

Just one iconic photograph - The Station's Helmsmen by Jack Lowe

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28 July 2019

Portaferry Crew help to spread the RNLI
'Float To Live' message.

Photo: RNLI

Seven members of Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew members along with volunteer lifeboat crew members from stations across Ireland and London's Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station unfurled giant water safety flags on the pitch of Croke Park before the All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final match between Wexford and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. The activity was part of the RNLI’s partnership with the GAA to prevent drownings and share water safety advice.

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26 July 2019

Killyleagh Yacht Club raises £1,200 for RNLI

A huge 'Thank You' to Killyleagh Yacht Club for their fundraising efforts this year through their various sailing events which raised £1200 for the RNLI.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Graham and Julie Chambers from Killyleagh Yacht Club presented the cheque for £1200 to Colin Conway and Jordan Conway from Portaferry Lifeboat Station.

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20 July 2019

Portrush Football Club win the
RNLI Fishermans Cup

Photos: Portavogie Rangers Football Club

The RNLI Fisherman’s Cup Trophy this year makes its way to Portrush.  Portrush FC fought hard and stayed resilient to come out with a win. (Portavogie Rangers FC 3 - Portrush FC 4)  The match took place at Londonderry Park, Newtownards.

Ards FC Sports Club kindly hosted both teams after the game and provided food and refreshments.  

Thanks also to Quinn’s Chippy & The Quays Restaurant of Portavogie who also provided food after the game.

Thanks to several businesses and individuals who contributed to the fundraiser for the RNLI.

Donations can still be made through the Portavogie Rangers Football Club Committee.

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11 May 2019

Community Safety Team attend the Quoile Yacht Club's Annual 'RNLI Lifeboat Race'

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

The Quoile Yacht Club hosted Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Team who supported the club's annual 'RNLI Lifeboat Race' sailing event on Strangford Lough. Great weather ensured some good racing and everyone made it safely around the course.   

Portaferry Lifeboat crew in 'Blue Peter V' also made a guest appearance in recognition of the club's efforts in supporting the RNLI.

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10 May 2019

Community Safety Team assist Donaghadee RNLI 'Sporting Challenge'

Photo: Donaghadee RNLI

Portaferry's Community Safety Team assisted the Donaghadee RNLI Fundraising Team during their 'RNLI Sporting Challenge' event held at Killard House School, Donaghadee.  Pupils from several local primary schools attended the event during which our Community Safety Officer, Ian Harrison, gave water safety advice.

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6 March 2019

1st Ards Scout Group and Cuan Pre School visit the Station

During the past few days 1st Ards Scout Group visited the Lifeboat Station to learn about Water Safety and the RNLI 'Respect The Water' & 'Float' messages from our Community Safety Officer, Ian Harrison and his supporting team.  

Photo credit: 1st Ards Scout Group

Photo credit: 1st Ards Scout Group

Cuan Pre School also visited the Station to learn about keeping themselves safe near water and about the lifesaving work of the RNLI and the crew of Portaferry Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V'.

Photo Credit: Cuan Pre School

Photo Credit: Cuan Pre School

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17 January 2019

St Joseph's School from Strangford visits the Station

Photo credit: St Joseph's School

Portaferry RNLI Station Visits Team welcomed the pupils from St Joseph's School in Strangford during which they learnt about 'Sea Safety' and 'Calling for Help'.

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4 December 2018

1st Kircubbin Scout Group visit Lifeboat Station

Photo credit: 1st Kircubbin Scout Group

1st Kircubbin Scout Group visited the lifeboat station and were able to learn about the importance of 'Water Safety' and the lifesaving work of the lifeboat crew and their Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Blue Peter V'

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3 November 2018

4 Long-Serving Volunteers Retire

Exploris in Portaferry was the venue for a great evening to honour four of the stalwart volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat Station in Portaferry.

Brian Bailee, Leonard Lawson, Jonathon Brownlee and Billy Ellison were instrumental in the formation and development of Portaferry Lifeboat Station that was officially opened by the RNLI in May 1980 following a trial period in 1979.

After a guided tour of the Exploris aquarium followed by dinner and refreshments, the crew, station management and fundraisers were delighted to have the opportunity to recognise all four retirees with the presentation of origional artwork by Colin Cunliffe, illustrating the turbulent and dangerous seas sometimes experienced at the Strangford Bar by the crews of the Portaferry Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V'.

During the presentation there were expressions of thanks to the awardees for their many years of service as RNLI volunteers and for all their dedicated voluntary work for Portaferry Lifeboat Station over the decades.

 

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

L to R   Billy Ellison, Jonathon Brownlee, Leonard Lawson and Brian Bailee

 

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Billy Ellison (left - former crew member in 1979 & outgoing station treasurer) receives a painting from Simon Rogers LOM (centre) and Colin Conway (right)

 

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Jonathan Brownlee (left - former crew member in 1984, former helmsman and outgoing lifeboat training co-ordinator) receives a painting from Simon Rogers LOM (centre) and Colin Conway

 

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Leonard Lawson (left - former crew member in 1979 and outgoing DLA) receives a painting from Simon Rogers LOM (centre) and Colin Conway

 

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Brian Bailee (left - former crew member in 1985 and outgoing LOM) receives a painting from Simon Rogers LOM (centre) and Colin Conway

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1 November 2018

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12 September 2018

Portavogie Youth 2011's Football Team and

RNLI 911 Challenge visit station

 

It was a busy evening for the volunteers at the Portaferry RNLI Station on Wednesday 12 September.

First of all, we had a visit from Belinda and James Richardson who are raising funds for the RNLI by attempting to drive anti-clockwise around the whole of the British Isles visiting all 238 RNLI Lifeboat Stations in a Porsche 911 within 911 hours! For more information on their epic challenge please visit: http://www.rnli-911challenge.co.uk/

Photo: Bernard Roddy LPO - Portaferry RNLI

No sooner had James and Belinda headed off to continue their RNLI-911 Challenge, the Portavogie Youth 2011's Football squad arrived with some of their parents and coaches.

Photo credit: Portavogie Youth Football Team

They all enjoyed inspecting our 'Blue Peter V'

 

Photo credit: Portavogie Youth Football Team

Their coach, David Cully, presented a cheque on their behalf for an astounding £1,300.00 to Mrs Pat Browne, chairman of the Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild.

A huge thanks from all at the RNLI for all your hard work raising this money and we hope you all enjoyed your visit.

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15 August 2018

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
RNLI Golf Day

The Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild's 'RNLI Golf Day' was held once again at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club on Wednesday 15 August 2018 by the kind permission of the KCGC Council and members.  

Vital funds amounting to over £1,600 were raised in support of the life-saving work of the RNLI.

Many thanks to our sponsors, Michael Stewart Pressure Washers and Desmond Eastwood Motors of Lisburn.

Winning Team - Gerry Reilly, Yvonne Posnett, Carmel Hanvey & Philip Posnett

1st prize Men - Gerry Reilly receives his prizes from Mike Miall, Vice-Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

1st prize Ladies - Yvonne Posnett receives her prizes from Mike Miall, Vice-Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

Desmond Eastwood Motors of Lisburn were one of the sponsors

Winners of the Ballot were Colin Whan and Colin Crozier

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16 May 2018

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28 January 2018

65th Anniversary of the sinking of the Princess Victoria on 31 January 1953

On 31 January 1953 severe storm force winds across the British Isles were creating a storm surge that was causing severe flooding along the east coast of England resulting in the loss of many lives.

In Stranraer, on the west coast of Scotland, the Larne-Stranraer passenger ferry Princess Victoria was delayed by the inclement weather from departing at its usual time of 07:00.

With all passengers and freight on board the ferry departed shortly before 08:00.

What followed were several hours of misfortune culminating in the transmission of a final distress message from the ship's Radio Officer, David Broadfoot, at 13:58 shortly before the Princess Victoria keeled over and sank in the Irish Sea off the Copeland Islands with the loss of 133 lives. Only 44 of the 177 persons on board survived.

 

Photo: Dawn Petrie

RNLI Lifeboat Crew and station officials from Bangor, Donaghadee, Larne, Newcastle, Portaferry and Portpatrick converged in Donaghadee to attend a memorial service in Donaghadee Parish Church on 28 January for those who lost their lives during the sinking of the MV Princess Victoria off the Copeland Islands on 31 January 1953.

The memorial service, organised by the 'Sir Samual Kelly Project', was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Mr David Lindsay and Lady Sylvia Hermon MP together with the mayors of North Down and Ards and Larne district councils and other dignitaries.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI Facebook page

Some of the Portaferry Lifeboat crew members who attended the ceremonies

For a short history of the sinking of the Princess Victoria click here

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8 January 2018

Photo: Spectator Newspapers

Since New Year's Day 2018 Mary Hickey from Arklow has been running around the entire coast of Ireland to raise funds for the RNLI.

Now aged 65, Mary has already competed in all 38 Dublin marathons and her desire is now to raise funds and awareness for the RNLI.

Mary called into Portaferry RNLI on Monday afternoon, 8 January, where she was greeted by crew members and provided with suitable refreshments and a local fish supper.

Next port of call for Mary is Donaghadee RNLI, a walking distance of over 22 miles

All of us at Portaferry RNLI wish Mary every success in the remainder of her 'RNLI Lap of the Map' fundraising journey around Ireland.

Note: Mary Hickey completed her Round-Ireland walk on Saturday 14 April during which she had travelled 1,509 miles and raised over €50,000 for the RNLI

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1 January 2018

Simon Rogers appointed as Lifeboat Operations Manager

Simon Rogers

Simon Rogers, a former Chief helmsman of Portaferry Lifeboat, has been appointed by the RNLI as the station's new Lifeboat Operations Manager following the retirement of Brian Bailee who has served as LOM since 2006 and in other roles since 1985.

Simon heralds from what could best be described as a 'RNLI Family' with many awards for life saving and other services to Portaferry Lifeboat Station.  Simon's father, Desmond Rogers, was appointed as the station's first senior helmsman when the station officially opened in 1980 and his mother Bernadette was the station's first honorary secretary of the fundraising Portaferry Ladies Guild in 1979, an office among others that she held until retiring in 2015.  In addition other members of the 'Roger's Family' are still closely involved with the life-saving work of the station.

Former LOM Brian Bailee

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11 November 2017

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER FOR THE RNLI?

Portaferry Lifeboat Station Needs An Operations Manager

Are you a team player?

Do you have excellent communication & management skills?

This role requires you to lead the operations team locally and ensure the lifeboat is always ready to save lives at sea

If you are interested and have the time to commit to this role Contact volunteering@rnli.org.uk or apply online at rnli.org.uk/volroles

Closing date for applications is 27 November 2017

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21 September 2017

Portavogie Rangers Football Club support the
RNLI 'Respect the Water' campaign

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Kenny, Paul and Alan (1st, 2nd & 4th L to R) from Portavogie Rangers Football Club unveil their club's 2 year support for the RNLI 'Respect the Water' campaign

Portavogie Rangers Football Club have chosen the RNLI 'Respect the Water' campaign as their chosen charity for the next two seasons with the support of local fishermen and seafood processors.

As part of this support two teams (1 senior and 1 junior) will display the 'Respect the Water' logo on their team shirts.

The idea to support the RNLI came from the Club in the hope that the RNLI water safety campaign will be spread near and far.

(Note: On 18 September 2013 a local Portavogie fisherman, Sam Cully, was rescued from drowning by the Portaferry Lifeboat after his fishing boat sank.  For Sam's story click here)

 

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Portavogie Youth Football Club also made a visit to the lifeboat station to learn about water safety and the lifesaving work of the RNLI and the Portaferry Lifeboat 'Blue Peter V'

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9 April 2017

Local artist Darren Leahy paints in memory of the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116

Photo:Portaferry RNLI

On 15 June 2010 Darren (Duxy) Leahy from Killyleagh was rescued in Marlfield Bay by Portaferry Lifeboat when his power boat 'Spirit' developed engine failure.

When an Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 went down off Blacksod Island, County Mayo, on the early morning of 14 March 2017 with the tragic loss of life of all four crew members, Darren decided to paint three pictures in memoriam.  

At the time of the disaster Rescue 116 had been supporting communications with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 which had been evacuating an injured fisherman from a fishing vessel located in the Atlantic, 160 miles west of Blacksod Island.

One of Duxy's pictures will be presented to the Irish Coast Guard, one to Mourne Mountain Rescue and one to Portaferry Lifeboat Station.   

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Brian Bailie, Portaferry Lifeboat Operations Manager (pointing to the record of Daren's rescue) and Pat Browne, Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, accept one of Darren's paintings in memory of the crew of Rescue 116.

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1 April 2017

Lifeboat 47-031
'Voluntary Worker' retires

Selsey Lifeboat, 47-031, leaves Selsey Lifeboat Station for the last time

Selsey Lifeboat 47-031, 'Voluntary Worker', retired from service on 1 April 2017 after serving 29 years with the RNLI.

'Voluntary Worker' was named in Poole on 23 September 1988 by the late Jess Brown from Portaferry Lifeboat Guild.

During her years in service she was used in the RNLI's relief fleet and finally became the Selsey Lifeboat in February 2006 where she remained in service until 1 April 2017.

For more information on 'Voluntary Worker' click here

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13 November 2016

Pat Browne
represents RNLI Fundraisers at London's Cenotaph

Pat Browne, Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild was chosen the represent RNLI Fundraisers throughout the UK and Ireland at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at London's Cenotaph.

Pat was accompanied by 16 RNLI crew members representing stations throughout the UK and Ireland

Representing Northern Ireland at London's Cenotaph were Derek Rea, Station Mechanic (Larne), Frank Healy, Coxswain (Larne), Pat Browne, Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild and Rory Hoy, Helmsman (Enniskillen)

Pat Browne with 16 crew members from lifeboat stations throughout the UK and Ireland who represented the RNLI at the Annual Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in London.

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January 2016

Voluntary Worker
is still saving lives

Named at the RNLI Headquarters in Poole on 23 September 1988 by the late Jess Brown from Portaferry Lifeboat Guild she is still saving lives at Selsey RNLI Lifeboat Station.  She is expected to be retired from service early 2017 after almost 30 years in service.

For more information about 'Voluntary Worker' click here

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9 November 2015

Margaret Barbour retires

Photo: Pat Browne - RNLI

Margaret Barbour, Asst Honorary Secretary and a member of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild for over 10 years, has recently retired from office. 

To mark Margaret's retirement members of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild invited her and her husband to 'Afternoon Tea' in the lifeboat station during which she was was presented with an anchor & chain silver necklace by the Guild in their thanks for her years of service.  

Margaret is a founding member of Donaghadee Lifeboat Guild which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Photo: Pat Browne - RNLI

Margaret, accompanied by her husband Sam, was presented with a gift from the Guild by Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (left), President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

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13 September 2015

Down Cruising Club
raises
£500 for RNLI

Photo: Jeff Marshall

Down Cruising Club's President, Gerry Mateer, presented a cheque to the RNLI for £500 during the club's 'European Heritage Open Day' held on 13 September aboard their clubhouse, Lightship Petrel.   

In addition a RNLI shop manned by members of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild sold RNLI Souveniers to members and visitors that raised £120.  Receiving the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Portaferry Lifeboat crew members L to R Simon Rogers, Paul Mageean and Mark Stevenson.

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25 June 2015

RNLI - Northern Ireland Awards

The Annual RNLI Awards for 2015 were held in the Belfast Titanic Banqueting Suite.

Presenting the awards was RNLI Chairman Charles Hunter-Pease

Mike Miall, Vice Chairman and Treasurer of Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild receives a RNLI Bronze Badge from Charles Hunter-Pease

Vera Murphy, a long standing fund-raiser of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, receives a 'Certificate of Thanks on Vellum' from RNLI Chairman, Charles Hunter-Pease

Susan Brewster, a long-time supporter of Portaferry Lifeboat Station, receives a 'Certificate of Thanks on Vellum' from RNLI Chairman, Charles Hunter-Pease

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23 April 2015

Bernadette Rogers retires

Bernadette Rogers, a founding member of the Portaferry Lifeboat Ladies Guild, has retired from office after 35+ years of service to the RNLI.

Bernadette served for many years as the Honorary Secretary of the Portaferry Lifeboat Ladies Guild that was established in 1980.   The Guild was renamed Portaferry Lifeboat Guild in 1985 to encourage male participation and subsequently changed to Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild to reflect the wider area covered by the station.

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Bernadette Rogers (right) is presented with a flower arrangement and a commerative plaque (the last of 5 produced in 2010 to comemorate the opening of the new Portaferry Lifeboat Station boathouse) by Pat Browne (Chairman) and Eveleigh Brownlow (President) of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

Bernadette was awarded the RNLI Gold Badge in 2005 in recognition of her 25 years of service which was presented to her in May of that year by the RNLI President, HRH The Duke of Kent, during the Institution's Annual General Meeting held in London.

Bernadette's husband, Desmond, was the stations first Helmsman in 1979 when the RNLI established a trial station at Portaferry and he was subsequently appointed Chief Helmsman when the Portaferry Lifeboat Station was first established in May 1980.  Since that time their three children have served in the capacity of Chief Helmsman, Helmsman and as a crew member.

Over the past 35 years many of the station's life-saving services and successful RNLI fund-raising events have involved the 'Rogers' family. 

Bernadette Rogers pictured in 1981 (seated front row - 2nd from right) with members of Portaferry Lifeboat Ladies Guild. Seated beside Bernadette is the Station's first President, Sir John Andrews.

Portaferry Lifeboat Station and those who live in the associated sea areas covered by the station owe Bernadette and the 'Rogers' family a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.  

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16 April 2015

Comber Rifle Club donate to the RNLI

Photo: RNLI - Sam Barbour

Comber Rifle Club held a dance on Easter Tuesday at which they raised £900 for the RNLI.  Pictured above are Sidney and Ann Semple when they visited Portaferry Lifeboat Station and presented a cheque for the proceeds to Margaret Barbour of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

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21 March 2015

Portaferry RNLI 35th Anniversary Ball

The Portaferry Lifeboat 35th Anniversary Ball was held at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club on Saturday 21 March.

Photo- Newtownards Chronicle

Some of the crew members who attended the ball were (L to R - front row), Brian Bailie, Graham Edgar, Marko Petric (L to R - back row) Chris Adair, Colin Conway, Fiona Magee, Sinead Breen, Ryan Miskelly & Mark Stevenson

 

Photo: Newtownards Chronicle

Some of the Portaferry & District Lifeboat guild who attended were (L to R) Wendy Conway, Joan Peacock Ann Miall, Mike Miall, Eveleigh Brownlow, Bernie Rogers and Pat Browne

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30 January 2015

Eveleigh Brownlow invested by HRH The Prince of Wales with MBE at Buckingham Palace

 

Photo: RNLI - Melissa Seppings

Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, accompanied by several members of her family, attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 30 January 2015 at which she was invested with the MBE by HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.  

Mrs Brownlow was awarded the MBE for her work in the local community.  She has already received the RNLI Gold Badge and Bar for her many years of fundraising for the former RNLI Cloughey/Portavogie lifeboat stations and the Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station that will celebrate 35 years of life-saving service in May this year.

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1 November 2014

Eddie and Marie McGee's many years of fundraising work for the RNLI is recognised

Photo: David Peacock - RNLI

Marie McGee and her husband, Capt Eddie McGee, have received the thanks of Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station and the Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild during the annual Portaferry Lifeboat Crew Dinner that was held at the Portaferry Hotel on 1 November 2014.

Marie and Eddie have recently retired from membership of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild after many years of dedicated service during which they have both been very involved in the raising of hundreds of thousands of £'s for the RNLI.

Capt Eddie McGee, until recently, was the treasurer of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild and served as such for over 15 years.

Marie and Eddie are pictured above with Mrs Pat Browne, Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild (1st Lto R) and Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild. (3rd L to R).   

The presentation included a special commemorative plate that was commissioned for the opening of the new Portaferry Boathouse in 2010 and for which Marie and Eddie were involved in raising significant funds.

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13 June 2014

Eveleigh Brownlow awarded the MBE

Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for voluntary services to her community.  

An active fundraiser for over 35 years at Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station, and in earlier years for the Cloughey & Portavogie RNLI lifeboat stations, the award also recognises other voluntary work including her many years of volunteering to secure the continuation of horse racing at Downpatrick Race Course and in recognition of which Mrs Brownlow is currently the society's Patron.  

In the 1970's the Downpatrick horse racing course was threatened with closure due to a government decision to restrict limited grant aid to only one race course in Northern Ireland.   At that time Eveleigh Brownlow and her late husband, Major William Brownlow, became closely involved in the formation of the 'Downpatrick Race Supporters Club' that started raising funds which were eventually sufficient to secure the survival of horse racing at the Downpatrick race course.  

In recognition and in memory of the voluntary work by the late Major Brownlow, who had been Chairman of 'Downpatrick' for 35 years, a new 'Brownlow' hospitality suite was opened at Downpatrick Race Course by Mrs Brownlow in March 2014.   

The Investiture of Mrs Brownlow's MBE will take place in London later this year.

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22 May 2014

Leonard Lawson awarded RNLI Gold Badge

Leonard (Lenny) Lawson has been awarded a RNLI Gold Badge in recognition of his long service record for the RNLI.

The award was presented during the RNLI National Awards ceremony, held at the Barbican Centre, London, following which the rescue of a fisherman by Portaferry Lifeboat, in which Leonard was involved as a DLA, formed the main feature (see below) of the 2014 national awards ceremony.

Leonard was one of the founding crew members of the Portaferry Lifeboat and he played a very significant role through Portaferry Sailing Club in encouraging the RNLI to trial a lifeboat station in Portaferry, resulting in the RNLI trialling a lifeboat in Portaferry in 1979.

Following successful trials the RNLI decided to establish a lifeboat station in Portaferry in May 1980.

Leonard's late mother (Anne) was instrumental in encouraging the BBC 'Blue Peter' children's programme to fund a lifeboat at Portaferry.   

During the following years three 'Blue Peter V' lifeboats have been sponsored by BBC 'Blue Peter', resulting in the saving of many lives.

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22 May 2014

RNLI London Awards ceremony highlights Northern Ireland Rescue

Lifeboats News Release

Date: 26/05/2014

Author: Niamh Stephenson - RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland

The RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards was held last Thursday (22 May 2014) in the Barbican Theatre in London and in an unusual move the charity departed from the awards ceremony to look at the story behind one rescue.   

That rescue involved Northern Ireland man Sam Cully whose life was saved on Wednesday 18 September when the boat he was fishing in sank rapidly in a Force 6 off the coast of County Down. That day RNLI lifeboat crew from Portaferry and Donaghadee along with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 were involved in his rescue but there were other groups and organisations behind the story.

(For more information and more photos of the rescue click here)   (For detailed information of the service record click here)

Photo credit: RNLI/Jon Stokes

Finale party: (Left to Right)   Sam Cully and his wife Marie-Clare, Nigel Blazeby, Chair of the Fishing Industry Safety Group, Jane Goodwin and Tony Brown, Mulligan, Maurice Lake, Fisherman's Mission, Dr Lynn Gilmore, Seafish, Dick James, Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation, John Speers, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Frankie Horne and John Fulton, RNLI Fishing Safety Managers, Philip McNamara, Coxswain Donaghadee RNLI, Lenny Lawson DLA Portaferry RNLI, Graham Egar DLA Portaferry RNLI, Marko Petric Helmsman Portaferry RNLI and Sinead Breen and Paul Mageen crew members from Portaferry RNLI.

While Sam waited for help to arrive he was able to stay afloat wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that he had received from a grant-aided scheme.

The funds were secured from the European Fisheries Fund, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, ASDA, the Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation and Seafish.

For the first time the RNLI brought everyone who was involved in saving Mr Cully's life together on one stage.

At the time of his rescue Sam Cully commented: 'I was only able to swim five or ten metres or so, and even then the wind and swell were washing me away from the shore. The boat went down so quickly, and I was so relieved to find the lifejacket doing exactly what I was told it would do. I cannot thank all those organisations involved enough.

RNLI Chairman Charles Hunter-Pease introduced the following groups and organisations who all played a part in the rescue onto the Barbican stage; the Maritime Coast Agency's Fishing Industry Safety Group, the Northern Ireland Fish Prodcuers Organisation, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the RNLI's Fishing Safety team, lifejacket and personal floatation manufacturers Mullion, Seafish and the Fisherman's Mission.

The two RNLI lifeboat crews who responded to the emergency after being alerted by the coastguard were Portaferry and Donaghadee RNLI and they too were represented. Coxswain Philip McNamara was present from Donaghadee lifeboat station and Portafery RNLI were represented by Deputy Launching Authority Lennie Lawson, shore crewmember Graham Edgar and lifeboat crew Marko Petrick, Sinead Breen and Paul Mageean. Luke Murphy who was also on the lifeboat crew that day was unable to be present.

Speaking after the event Donaghadee RNLI Coxswain Philip McNamara said, 'It was an honour to be present at the ceremony and surrounded by so many people working together to help fishermen stay safe at sea. This was a life saved on the day of the rescue but Sam gave himself every chance by wearing a life jacket and being prepared. Everyone on that stage was a lifesaver.'

Lennie Lawson, Portaferry RNLI Deputy Launching Authority added, 'It was a very moving occasion. It was lovely to be acknowledged in such good company. So many people work behind the scenes in the RNLI to make sure our lifeboats get to sea and we all do it voluntarily. In this instance the number of people behind the scenes was huge. This scheme has been very important to the fishing community and it shows that by working together we can save lives.'

The evening ended with an emotional video tribute by Sam Cully who then surprised the group on stage and the audience present by coming out with his wife Marie-Clare to thank everyone present in person.

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1 February 2014

Isabel Hood appointed as Chairman of Portaferry's 'Lifeboat Management Group'

Isabel Hood has been appointed by the RNLI as Chairman of Portaferry Lifeboat Stations 'Lifeboat Management Group' and takes over from David Russell who has served 10 years in the position.  

Isabel is currently Chairman of the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership and is also involved with various organisations including the Mourne Heritage Trust, the Northern Ireland Enviromental Link and the Open University.  She is a keen and experienced sailor.

During David Russell's watch the Station saw many improvements, including the building of a new enlarged boathouse to house a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V'.

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6 January 2014

RNLI Flood Rescue teams on standby in Portaferry

Photo: RNLI - Portaferry

RNLI Flood Rescue teams were sent to Portaferry, Co. Down on 6 January in response to a flood alert along the coastline of the Ards Peninsula.   

Seas were forecast to rise well above the predicted high-water level due to a combination of spring tides, low barometric pressure and southerly storm force winds that had persisted over several days.   These combined events resulted in tidal surges along the Ard's Peninsula, in Strangford Lough and elsewhere along Irish Sea and Atlantic coastlines.  

The Strand, Portaferry, 6 January 2014  -  Photo: from Portaferry Gala website

Fortunately, winds in the area moderated prior to high water and the expected tidal surge along the County Down coast was not as high as forecast.   A sea level of 0.7m above the predicted high-water level was recorded at Bangor, County Down, slightly less than the 0.9m recorded on 4 January when damage was caused by large breaking waves to coastal roads near Ballywalter and Greyabbey.

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30 September 2013

Former Portaferry Lifeboat shore-crew member appointed as
2nd Coxswain of Douglas Lifeboat

Photo: RNLI - Mike Howland - LPO @ Douglas Lifeboat Station

'Lifeboats' news release 30/09/2013             

Author: Mike Howland - Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Station

Recently qualified Deputy Second Coxswain, Graeme Cushnie, was presented with his badge of office, his Coxswain’s hat, by Lifeboat Operations Manager of Douglas Lifeboat Station, Mary Corran, following this morning’s (29 September) lifeboat exercise.

Graeme, who began his career as a Marine Biologist and then moved into teaching and is currently Headteacher at Ballaugh Primary School, explained his involvement as a RNLI volunteer:

‘I've always felt a connection to the sea having being raised in the village of Kircubbin on the shores of Strangford Lough and learning to sail a rickety old Mirror dinghy with my Dad. There's nothing quite like messing around in boats and as a child I enjoyed being on, in and beside the sea.

It wasn't until 1989 that I became officially involved with the RNLI, joining the Portaferry shore crew while on a placement at the QUB Marine Laboratory. Then, in 1991, while at The Marine Laboratory in Port Erin, I signed up to help with the Rother Class lifeboat Osman Gabriel. In 1992 she was replaced by an Atlantic inshore lifeboat and by 1996 I was passed out as a helmsman. There I stayed until October 2008, learning a great deal from those around me, when I then moved to Douglas.

It was refreshing to start from the bottom again, learning the ropes on the Tyne Class all-weather lifeboat, The Sir William Hillary, which brings us up to the present day.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the people at each of the lifeboat stations, my employer and of course Lisa, my wife who is the only person I know that can sleep through multiple pager alerts.’

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27 September 2013

Fisherman meets his rescuers

A fisherman, Sam Cully, from Portavogie, County Down, whose fishing boat sank on 18 September 2013 has visited Portaferry Lifeboat Station to thank his rescuers.

Photo: RNLI - Bernard Roddy

Sam's fishing boat sank quickly with little time to send a 'Mayday'.  

His 'Mayday' call was picked up by Coastguards monitoring Channel 16 resulting in the immediate launch of Donaghadee and Portaferry Lifeboats and the tasking of an Irish SAR Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116.

Photo: RNLI - Bernard Roddy

Helmsman, Marko Petric, and crew members Paul Mageen, Luke Murphy with Sam Cully
(Not included: Sinead Breen who was also a crew member - Sinead was a crew member on 19 January 2006 during a service when one fisherman was rescued off Ardglass and for which she received a RNLI Vellum Certificate for her part in the fisherman's rescue and the following search for his two missing colleagues)

After 45 minutes in the water, Sam was found in a cold and distressed state by the crew (above) of Portaferry Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V', who were the first to reach the search area.   Helmsman, Marko Petric entered the water to assist in getting Sam on board the lifeboat and he was subsequently flown by the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter 116 to hospital in Belfast.

Fortunately, Sam was wearing a lifejacket that had been supplied to him two weeks earlier by the Fishermen's Mission through funding from Seafish, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through the European Fisheries Fund, the Northern Ireland Fish Producers Association and the supermarket ASDA, and with the support of the Maritime Coastguard Agency and the RNLI.

For more detailed information about the rescue please click here

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7 August 2013

RNLI Golf Day at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

The Kirkistown Castle Golf Club's 'RNLI Golf Day' has raised the magnificant sum of £2,865 for the RNLI.   

Our thanks to the Captain and Council of Kirkistown Castle Golf Club and to KCGC members for the all-day use of the course and of the member's Clubhouse and to Billy Rogan for organising the event once again.

 

RESULTS

Ladies
1st    N Waring
2nd  Anne Warnock
3rd   Valerie McKenzie

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Gents
1st   Graham McKenzie
2nd  T Davis
3rd   Harry McKenzie

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Ladies Team
Patsy McGoldrick Team

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Gents Team
Bill Miscampbell Team

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Mixed Team
Harry McKenzie & Valerie McKenzie Team

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

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3 August 2013

Six RNLI lifeboats from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man took part in an exercise on the Irish Sea earlier today to simulate the rescue of 30 persons from small passenger vessel that was sinking.

Co-ordinated by Belfast Coastguard, from their Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Bangor, County Down, the successful exercise began at 09:00 and concluded at 12:45.

Lifeboats from Donaghadee (County Down), Newcastle (County Down), Peel (Isle of Man), Portaferry (County Down), Port Erin (Isle of Man) and Port St Mary (Isle of Man) participated in the joint exercise.

The exercise follows on the sinking off the County Cork coast of Ireland of the tall ship Astrid on 28 July when 30 persons were rescued by four RNLI lifeboats.

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12 July 2013

Around the World trip will raise funds for the RNLI

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Stuart Browne and James Wood leaving Portaferry to join the Mongol Rally

Stuart Browne and James Wood are participating in the Mongol Rally which starts at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, on 15 July.  This year the rally has chosen 'Cool Earth' as its primary charity for which participants must raise a minimum of £500.  

Participants are also entitled to fundraise for an additional charity and James and Stuart have chosen Portaferry RNLI.

The two 'Adventurists' will join other participants at Bodiam Castle on 14 July and will start their drive the following day to Mongolia, a journey of 10,000 miles through Europe and Asia. Their journey to Mongolia will take them across 5 mountain ranges and 3 deserts.  Vehicles in the rally must have an engine capacity under 1,200cc and be less than 9 years old.

To find out how much James and Stuart have raised for the RNLI so far please click here

Following the completion of the Mongol Rally in late August, James and Stuart plan to travel eastwards to the United States before returning to Northern Ireland.

1 September 2013 - Stuart and James have reached Mongolia and are now travelling East through Asia with the intent of crossing the United States of America before returning home in 2014.

December 2013 - Stuart and James have now completed their 'Round the World' trip on their trike motorcycle and have returned home from the USA. Their 'trike' has recently been shipped back to Northern Ireland from the USA.  

It is still not too late to donate so PLEASE click here

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12 June 2012

Ann Miall receives RNLI Certificate of Thanks

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Ann Miall has been presented with a framed 'RNLI Certificate of Thanks' during the recent
Northern Ireland RNLI Awards in recognition of her years of fundraising for the RNLI.  

The presentation, held in the Great Hall of Queen's University Belfast on 12 June, was made by Admiral the Lord Boyce, Chairman of the RNLI.

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7 March 2013

RNLI Chief Executive visits Portaferry RNLI

Photo: Lynne Gilmore

Vice Admiral Paul Boissier CB, Chief Executive of the RNLI, paid a visit to Portaferry RNLI during his recent visit to Northern Ireland.  Paul Boissier (left) is pictured with John Murray (President Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station), Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (President Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) and Brian Bailee (Lifeboat Operations Manager - Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station)

 

Photo: Lynne Gilmore

Crew, Shore Crew, Fundraisers and the Station's management team welcomed Paul Boissier and his colleagues to Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station.

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29 December 2012

Lifeboat and Shore Crew receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for County Down, David Lindsay, with (seated l. to r.) John Murray; Station President, David Russell; Chairman Station Management Group, Brian Bailie; Lifeboat Operations Manager, and Cadet Warrant Officer Mathew Stewart who accompanied the Lord-Lieutenant.  
Standing (l. to r.) are 8 of the 12 awardees; John Murray Jnr, Marko Petric, Colin Hagan, Simon Rogers, Graeme Ellison, Jonathan Brownlee, Colin Conway and Jeremy Rogers

All photos: RNLI - Jim Brown

Lifeboat and shore crew members at Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station have been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for their many years of life-saving work.

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Down, David Lindsay, presented the medals to the awardees at a function held in the RNLI lifeboat station at Portaferry.

Presenting the awards, the Lord-Lieutenant thanked the awardees for their many years of life-saving work and congratulated them on their well-deserved Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals.

Awardees of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal were; Brian Bailie, Shinead Breen, Jonathan Brownlee, Colin Conway, Graeme Ellison, Colin Hagan, Jackie Harrison, Leonard Lawson, John Murray, Marko Petric, Jeremy Rogers and Simon Rogers.

Following the presentations a finger buffet and refreshments were provided, courtesy of the Portaferry Hotel.

 

The Lord-Lieutenant, Brian Lindsay, is introduced to lifeboat and shore crew by Brian Bailie, Portaferry Lifeboat Station's 'Lifeboat Operations Manager'

 

 

Marko Petric, Billy Ellison and Jackie Harris

 

Brian Bailee, LOM, introduces fund-raisers, crew family members and guests

 

 

Jonathan Brownlee, Station Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator, was one of those
presented with a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal whilst one of his daughters watched in the background and applauded her Dad.

 

David Russell, Chairman of the station's 'Lifeboat Management Group', expressed the Station's thanks to the Lord-Lieutenant , David Lindsay, for presenting the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals

All Photos: RNLI - Jim Brown

Portaferry Lifeboat crew and shore helpers took time out to have a photograph with with their colleague Tommy Mason (front centre), a recently retired crew member (RNLI Gold service badge with Bar) and an ardent fund-raiser for the station over many years.

 

Tommy Mason (centre) with old colleagues, Jim Brown (past Station President and former Station Co-ordinating Chairman) and Liz Brown (past member and a former Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild)

 

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12 September 2012

'Chill at the Mill' raises £1,640.60 for the RNLI

Dorothy and Gerald McKeating host an annual 'Chill at the Mill' party at their home in County Down in aid of local charities.  This year their chosen charity was the RNLI.

Gerald McKeating said that this year's party in August, organised for family and friends, would not have been such a success were it not for the kind donations from local tradesmen and the musicians who entertained everyone throughout the evening.  As well as an excellent Bar-B-Q, the funds raised were further enhanced by a tombola and a raffle.

On Thursday 12th September Dorothy and Gerald McKeating visited Portaferry Lifeboat Station to present a cheque to the RNLI for the monies raised by their charity event.   Tommy Mason, a former lifeboat crew member with over 30 years service, accepted the donation of £1,640.60 on behalf of the RNLI.

 

Photo: RNLI - Mike Miall

Tommy Mason, from Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station, receives a cheque to the RNLI for £1,640.60 from Dorothy and Gerald McKeating and their family.  

 

Photo: RNLI - Mike Miall

Some of the many who supported the 'Chill at the Mill' fundraising event for the RNLI

 

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Mike Miall (centre), Vice-Chairman of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, with Gerald and Dorothy McKeating during their 'Chill at the Mill' fundraising event

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Preparing for the exercise	Liferaft launch for recovery by ferry's tender